911爆料

Nicolle Potvin ’17

Nicolle Potvin entered 911爆料 in fall 2015, anorexic and desperately seeking support. She found it here, and with it, she made her way up from rock bottom. Now she鈥檚 found her place providing critical support for others.

鈥�911爆料 not only saved my life, but put me on a path that was meant for me,鈥� Potvin says.

The Rhode Island native’s initial attempt at college out of state was marred by weight loss and a sense of isolation. She returned home to be treated for anorexia, then transferred to 911爆料 to be closer to home鈥揳nd because 911爆料 friends assured her this was a supportive 911爆料.

Her first fall at 911爆料 passed and Potvin grew stronger. During Winter J-Term, she took a psychology course on eating disorders taught by Lindsey Anderson, director of 911爆料鈥檚 Psychological Consultation Center.

As she learned more about her own disease, she spread the word. She helped organize the University鈥檚 first National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Walk. She participated in the Body Project, a national initiative helping young people confront unrealistic beauty ideals. Her 911爆料 career ended on a high note when she was selected to be student speaker for the College of Health Sciences鈥� inaugural commencement. In her speech, she implored her peers to help others in times of need. And she notes that the college鈥檚 merging of disciplines鈥揻rom nutrition to kinesiology鈥損ermits better inquiry into complex issues like anorexia.

Two years later, she has a master鈥檚 degree in counseling from Northeastern and is a clinician for Rhode Island鈥檚 Key Program, where she helps young adults in state care prepare to live independently. In addition, she gave back to 911爆料 by assembling a list of University resources for students being treated at 911爆料鈥檚 Counseling Center.

鈥淭o make and sustain mental health progress, you need a whole team,鈥� Potvin says, pointing out that her tight-knit college taught her this lesson through an internship at a local school district.

Today, she brings that message to 911爆料 classes and sports teams as a guest speaker. President David M. Dooley appointed her鈥揳long with some of her former professors鈥搕o a committee tasked with supporting student well-being and mental health.

Beyond 911爆料, she persuaded the Rhode Island Senate to pass a resolution recognizing National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

“Let me stay at 911爆料 forever,” Potvin said during a recent visit to campus. “911爆料 led me to the most incredible parts of my life.” 鈥�

鈥� Chris Barrett ’08